Chapter 3 - Unspoken Boundaries
Morning arrived with a bright, crisp sunlight streaming through the nursery blinds. Leo’s fever had finally broken, leaving him sleeping peacefully in his crib. Downstairs, however, the heavy atmosphere of the previous night lingered in the air like smoke.
Amy walked down to the kitchen to prepare warm milk for Leo. She stopped in her tracks at the doorway. Eleanor was sitting at the marble kitchen island, holding a cup of black coffee, perfectly coiffed as if nothing had transpired the night before.
"Good morning, Amy," Eleanor said, her tone devoid of warmth, yet thoroughly composed. "I hope the baby is better."
"He is, thank you," Amy replied neutrally, keeping her distance as she reached for a bottle.
Eleanor set her teacup down with a precise click. "Mark was very rude to our guests last night. I hope you realize how embarrassing that spectacle was for our family's reputation."
Before Amy could respond, Mark walked into the kitchen. He didn't look at his mother; instead, he walked straight to Amy, kissing her cheek before turning to face Eleanor.
"The only embarrassing behavior last night was yours, Mother," Mark said firmly. "You treated Amy like hired help in our own home."
"I was merely asking for assistance during an important dinner!" Eleanor defended, her voice rising slightly. "In this family, we host with grace."
"In my family," Mark corrected, leaning against the counter, "we prioritize each other's health and dignity above appearance. We are leaving for our own apartment this afternoon."
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Eleanor blinked, caught off guard. "You're leaving? The estate has plenty of room."
"We stayed here temporarily while the nursery renovations were completed," Mark said. "The renovations are done. We are going home."
